Rick Kesler, Pastor
Rick Kesler was ordained in 1994 at his home church in Columbus, Ohio. Rick grew up in central Ohio, graduated from Ohio State University in 1977 with a B.A. in English with Honors. He attended Trinity Lutheran Seminary and graduated in 1993 with his Masters of Divinity degree.
Before entering seminary Rick had worked in many fields. He has been a professional singer and actor, frequent house painter, and computer programmer. He is often amazed at how his experiences in each of those fields helped prepare him for work with The South Church.
Rick was not raised in the church and didn't consider himself at all religious for the first half of this life. He came to the faith in his thirties. Before long he was leading Bible studies and directing theater at his church. This was the beginning of the path that eventually led him to seminary.
Rick's first call was to a position in Campus Ministry and Christian Education with University Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio. After serving them for seven years he accepted a post as senior pastor with The First Baptist Church of Bedford, in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. He was there for five years before coming to The South Church in 2008.
You may contact at: rkesler@thesouthchurch.com
Kathy Ryan, Wedding Coordinator
The South Church on-site Wedding Coordinator assists wedding couples in planning their ceremony, answers any questions, and ensures that everyone gets down the aisle on time!
Kathy has been a member of The South Church since 1995 and the Wedding Coordinator since 2008.
If you are interested in getting married here, send Kathy an email or phone the church office. She is happy to show you the church at a convenient time for you in addition to answering any questions you might have.
You may contact at: weddings@thesouthchurch.com
Fran Wilcox, Music Director
Fran Wilcox brings a lifetime of musical experience to her job as our music director and choir director. An excellent organist, Fran provides music for our worships services and weddings as well as selecting music for and directing the choir.
Fran grew up in Mount Prospect, attending grade school at St. Raymond's, High School at Sacred Heart of Mary and college at Quincy University.
Fran began playing piano in 1st grade and organ in 5th. After eight years of piano, and while still in high school, she attended Mundeline College for organ.
In college she took four years of organ while obtaining her BS degree in management. She received her MBA from Loyola University in 1982.
Fran began playing professionally while raising her family. She works in the office at Friedrich's Funderal home, beginning in 1999. Fran plays early Masses at St. Raymond's and has been at The South Church as the Music Director for the last ten years.
You may reach Fran by calling the church office at (847) 253-0501.
Dave Surico, Moderator
The Moderator is the key lay leader of the church and works closely with the pastoral leader. As Moderator, Dave leads the Church Council and has signing authority for all church business.
You may contact at: moderator@thesouthchurch.com
